A reason to act — 04/11/08

Sat, May 17 2008

— Reports that the FBI is investigating allegations of criminal misconduct in the awarding of highway contracts during the administration of former Gov. Ernie Fletcher should be the only impetus members of the Kentucky General Assembly need to complete work on House Bill 250, the executive branch ethics bill.
The federal investigation apparently centers around whether information was leaked to some road contractors so they could submit a high bid for a project but still be assured of being awarded the contract. We’re not in a position to pass judgment on those allegations, but they serve as a reminder of the need for ethics reform. Fletcher was rejected by voters because of hiring scandal and HB 250 is part of Gov. Steve Beshear’s promise to head an administration with the highest ethical standards.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed HB 250, and a House/Senate conference committee is attempting to reach agreement on the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Unlike the House-approved version, the Senate bill would prohibit lobbyists and state contractors from giving to gubernatorial candidates. The Democratic-controlled House has balked at that change, refusing to limit the governor’s ability to raise campaign funds. After all, lobbyists and those doing business with the state have long given generously to gubernatorial candidates from both parties, in hopes of currying favor with the state’s chief executive.
For his part, Governor Beshear said he is willing to go along with the Senate version of the bill as long as the restrictions also apply to legislators. But lobbyists already are barred from contributing to legislative campaigns, and since legislators do not award state contracts, they are far less likely than candidates for governor to receive contributions from those wanting to do business with the state.
However, with only two days — Monday and Tuesday — remaining in the 2008 General Assembly, legislators should accept what they can get, which may be less than what they want. That’s what compromise is all about.
The final two days of the General Assembly are primarily to consider any vetoes by Governor Beshear. However, the ethics bill and the one dealing with pension reform need to be enacted before legislators go home.